Editing Penile Prosthesis (section)

=== Inflatable ===

* '''Designed to approximate normal function more closely by permitting girth and length expansion during erection and penile flaccidity when not in use'''
* Consist of 2 hollow intracorporeal cylinders, each of which fills a corpus cavernosum; the cylinders are inflated with saline solution to produce penile rigidity during sexual activity and are deflated after intercourse.
* '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Subdivided into 2-piece vs. 3-piece devices</span>'''
** '''<span style="color:#ff0000">2-piece device</span>'''
***'''<span style="color:#ff0000">Consists of the two cylinders and a scrotal pump</span>'''.
**** '''Reservoirs in the proximal portion of the cylinders are prefilled with saline''' '''and preconnected to the pump via silicone tubing'''.
**** '''Pressing a valve mechanism''' in the pump transfers the solution from the reservoirs into the distal, inflatable portion of each cylinder.
**** '''Bending the cylinders down for several seconds activates a release valve''' that deflates the device by allowing the fluid to flow back to the reservoirs.
** '''<span style="color:#ff0000">3-piece device</span>''' 
***'''<span style="color:#ff0000">Consists of the two hollow cylinders, a scrotal pump, and a saline-filled reservoir.</span>'''
**** Silicone tubing connects the cylinders to the pump and the pump to the reservoir.
**** '''Repeatedly squeezing the pump''' transfers saline from the reservoir to the cylinders until adequate rigidity is achieved
**** '''Pressing a valve mechanism in the pump causes the fluid to flow back to the reservoir.'''
** Both devices are available in several widths and lengths and come with optional rear tip extensions to allow them to be tailored to each patient.
** '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Advantages of two-piece compared to three-piece (2):</span>'''
**# '''<span style="color:#ff0000">No need to implant a separate reservoir</span>'''
**#* Facilitates surgery and may be useful with patients in whom placement of the reservoir is extremely difficult because of colostomy, ileostomy, kidney transplant, or extensive pelvic surgery
**# '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Reaches full inflation with fewer squeezes of the pump</span>'''
** '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Disadvantages of two-piece compared to three-piece (3):</span>'''
**# '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Pump is very small and hard, making it difficult for patients to manipulate</span>'''
**# '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Implantation requires a larger incision of the tunica albuginea</span>'''
**# '''<span style="color:#ff0000">Feels and acts less like a natural erection</span>'''